High Schools

EDC will develop a high school level standards-based Ford PAS module that focuses on personal financial literacy, while strengthening students’ knowledge and understanding of mathematics, including key algebraic concepts. In this module, students will explore individuals’ responsibilities and rights and apply algebraic concepts to the making of short-and long-term financial decisions. Such decisions will include applying for and choosing a credit card, making a large purchase, planning to pay for college, investing, and planning for retirement.

This project reviewed Parametric Technology Corporation’s (PTC) 3-D solid modeling lesson plans and aligned the activities to U.S. national science, mathematics, technology, and career standards. Partners in Virginia public schools and the British School of Washington are developing design-based science and technology education lessons that illustrate the use of PTC software (Pro/DESKTOP and Pro/ENGINEER) within the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) “Material World Modules” Program.

In collaboration with EDC’s Education, Employment, and Community Programs, ERO has developed the Ford PAS program. Ford PAS includes an interdisciplinary high school curriculum that challenges students academically and develops their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. The program links classroom learning to future opportunities in business, engineering, and technology, and motivates young people to succeed in college and careers. These links are forged through innovative partnerships with business, higher education, and the community.

EDC developed and field-tested this biology curriculum for grades 9 and 10. The curriculum addresses the needs of all students and connects understanding of core biological principles with applications to social, health, economic, and other critical issues. The curriculum, published by Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, includes an implementation guide to support users.

The K–12 MCC provides a variety of services and products to support school districts around the country as they select and implement standards-based mathematics curricula. Implementation issues considered include transitions across grades K through 12, professional development, and building support for curriculum change. Resources include a series of seminars, print materials, (including a curriculum selection guide), case materials, and a Web site.

This project has produced a high school curriculum that integrates academic (biology) and technical (biotechnology) education to create opportunities for all students to progress to higher education and to enter the high-skilled workforce. EDC works with education and industry advisors to ensure that the curriculum meets these goals. In this phase, we field-tested, evaluated, and revised two units, Microbe Detectives: Solving a Medical Mystery and A Genetic Puzzle: The Search for a Solution.

Literacy Matters is a comprehensive online professional development environment focusing on what matters most in adolescent literacy development (e.g., making the most of adolescent literacy, improving reading and writing in the content areas, and enhancing literacy and supporting mastery of technology).

Building on the work of the Gender and Science Digital Library (GSDL), EDC explored how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators use digital resources during lesson preparation, instruction, and professional development. Through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, project staff developed clear pictures of educators’ use of digital resources. The project results highlight ways that developers can aid teachers in finding and integrating digital resources.

In collaboration with EDC’s Center for Educational Resources and Outreach, EEC promotes and supports the Ford PAS program. Ford PAS includes an interdisciplinary high school curriculum that challenges students academically and develops their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. We provide ongoing technical assistance for all schools and partners implementing Ford PAS by hosting an interactive Web site and toll-free hotline, designing and conducting an annual national networking and training conference, and offering professional development activities.

In collaboration with EDC’s Center for Educational Resources and Outreach, EEC has developed the Ford PAS program. Ford PAS includes an interdisciplinary high school curriculum that challenges students academically and develops their problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. The program links classroom learning to future opportunities in business, engineering, and technology, and motivates young people to succeed in college and careers. These links are forged through innovative partnerships with business, higher education, and the community.